Furnishing your first home in Australia is a milestone that brings excitement—and, for many, a fair amount of anxiety. If you’re inexperienced and working with a limited budget, the process can feel overwhelming. But with the right strategy, you can create a comfortable, stylish, and functional home without overspending. This comprehensive guide draws on the latest and most reliable sources to walk you through furnishing each room, prioritising essentials, and making smart choices.
General Principles for Budget Furnishing in Australia
1. Plan and Prioritise
Before you buy anything, measure your rooms and doorways, make a list of what you truly need, and set a realistic budget. Focus on essentials first—items you need to live comfortably—then add decorative or “nice-to-have” pieces over time (Kinso, 2025).
2. Needs vs. Wants
Distinguish between must-haves (bed, fridge, sofa) and wants (decorative lamps, extra cushions). Prioritise purchases that make your space livable (Modeina, 2025).
3. Quality Over Quantity
Buy the best quality you can afford for high-use items. Cheap, poor-quality furniture often needs to be replaced sooner, costing more in the long run (Grain & Frame, 2023).
4. Shop Smart
Look for sales, consider second-hand items for non-essential pieces, and use budget-friendly retailers. Tanstella, for example, offers a wide range of affordable furniture with free delivery to major Australian cities (Tanstella, 2025).
Room-by-Room Guide
1. Living Room
Essentials
- Sofa or couch
- Coffee table
- TV unit or entertainment stand
- Lighting (floor or table lamp)
- Optional: Armchair, bookshelf, rug
Budgeting
- Estimated cost: $1,000–$3,000 for basics if shopping smart (Furnishd, 2022).
- Tip: Start with a sofa and coffee table. Add extras as your budget allows.
Tanstella Recommendations
- Tanstella 3-Seater Sofa Bed – Versatile and space-saving.
- Tanstella Coffee Table – Affordable, modern designs.
- Tanstella TV Unit – Simple, functional options.
Advice
Choose neutral colours for large pieces to ensure longevity. Add personality with cushions and throws, which are cheaper to update (Architectural Digest, 2023).
2. Bedroom
Essentials
- Bed frame and mattress
- Bedside table(s)
- Wardrobe or chest of drawers
- Bedding (sheets, pillows, quilt)
Budgeting
- Estimated cost: $1,000–$3,000 for a basic setup (Furnishd, 2022).
- Tip: Invest in a good mattress; it’s worth every dollar for your health and comfort.
Tanstella Recommendations
- Tanstella Bed Frame – Range of sizes and styles.
- Tanstella Mattress – Budget-friendly, various firmness levels.
- Tanstella Bedside Table – Simple and functional.
- Tanstella Chest of Drawers – Storage solutions for clothes.
Advice
If you’re short on storage, choose a bed frame with built-in drawers. Start with one bedside table if you’re on a tight budget and add another later (Grain & Frame, 2023).
3. Dining Room
Essentials
- Dining table
- Dining chairs
Budgeting
- Estimated cost: $500–$2,000 for a basic set (Furnishd, 2022).
Tanstella Recommendations
- Tanstella Dining Table – Compact and extendable options.
- Tanstella Dining Chairs – Sold in sets or individually.
Advice
If space is limited, consider a round or extendable table. Multifunctional furniture (e.g., a dining table that doubles as a workspace) is ideal for small spaces (realestate.com.au, 2025).
4. Kitchen
Essentials
- Fridge (not usually included in rentals)
- Kettle, toaster
- Basic cookware (saucepans, frying pan)
- Plates, bowls, cutlery, glasses, mugs
- Bin
Budgeting
- Estimated cost: $500–$1,500 for essentials (Grain & Frame, 2023).
Tanstella Recommendations
- Tanstella Kitchen Appliances – Kettles, toasters, blenders.
- Tanstella Bar Stools & Chairs – For breakfast bars or kitchen islands.
- Tanstella Kitchen Storage – Racks and organisers.
Advice
Don’t rush to buy every gadget. Start with the basics and add as you go. Look for multi-use appliances to save space and money (Mango Furnish, 2025).
5. Bathroom
Essentials
- Towels
- Bath mat
- Shower curtain (if needed)
- Storage (shelves, caddy)
- Toilet brush and bin
Budgeting
- Estimated cost: $200–$500 for basics.
Tanstella Recommendations
- Tanstella Bathroom Storage – Over-toilet shelves, cabinets.
- Tanstella Laundry Hampers – For dirty clothes.
Advice
Use vertical space for storage. Over-the-door hooks and shelves are affordable and effective (Archipro, 2024).
6. Home Office (Optional/If Needed)
Essentials
- Desk
- Chair
- Lamp
Budgeting
- Estimated cost: $300–$1,000 for a basic setup (Furnishd, 2022).
Tanstella Recommendations
- Tanstella Desk – Compact, modern designs.
- Tanstella Office Chair – Ergonomic options for long hours.
Advice
If you don’t have a dedicated room, use a corner of your living or dining area. Foldable desks are a great space-saving solution (Kinso, 2025).
7. Outdoor Area (If Applicable)
Essentials
- Outdoor table and chairs
- Lounge set or bench
- BBQ (optional)
Budgeting
- Estimated cost: $500–$2,000 for basics (Furnishd, 2022).
Tanstella Recommendations
- Tanstella Outdoor Furniture – Dining sets, lounges, benches.
- Tanstella Outdoor Umbrella – For shade.
Advice
Choose weather-resistant materials. Start with a small set and expand as needed (Kinso, 2025).
Sample Budget Table
| Room | Essential Items | Estimated Budget (AUD) | Tanstella Product Links |
|---|---|---|---|
| Living Room | Sofa, Coffee Table, TV Unit | $1,000–$3,000 | Sofa Bed, Coffee Table, TV Unit |
| Bedroom | Bed, Mattress, Bedside Table | $1,000–$3,000 | Bed Frame, Mattress, Bedside Table |
| Dining Room | Table, Chairs | $500–$2,000 | Dining Table, Dining Chair |
| Kitchen | Appliances, Storage | $500–$1,500 | Kitchen Appliances, Bar Stools |
| Bathroom | Storage, Towels, Mat | $200–$500 | Bathroom Storage, Laundry Basket |
| Home Office | Desk, Chair | $300–$1,000 | Desk, Office Chair |
| Outdoor | Table, Chairs, Umbrella | $500–$2,000 | Outdoor Furniture, Outdoor Umbrella |
Practical Tips for Budget Success
- Buy in stages: Don’t feel pressured to furnish everything at once. Start with what you need to live, then add as you go (Architectural Digest, 2023).
- Look for deals: Tanstella frequently offers discounts and free shipping to major cities (Tanstella, 2025).
- Check reviews: Tanstella has a 4.1-star rating on Trustpilot, with many customers praising value and delivery, though some report issues with assembly and returns. Always read recent reviews before purchasing (Trustpilot, 2025).
- Ask for help: Don’t be afraid to ask friends or family if they have spare items, or check local community groups for freebies (Grain & Frame, 2023).
- Measure everything: Avoid costly mistakes by measuring your space and doorways before buying large items (Mango Furnish, 2025).
Conclusion
Furnishing a new property in Australia on a budget is entirely achievable with careful planning, prioritisation, and smart shopping. Focus on essentials, invest in quality where it counts, and take your time to build a home that suits your lifestyle. Tanstella offers a wide range of affordable furniture for every room, making it a practical choice for first-time home furnishers. Remember: your home doesn’t need to be “Pinterest perfect” on day one—enjoy the process and make it your own over time (realestate.com.au, 2025).
References
- ArchiPro AU. (2024, October 6). Things You Need for a New Home: A Room-By-Room Guide. ArchiPro. https://archipro.com.au/article/essential-guide-to-furnishing-new-home
- Furnishd. (2022, March 18). The True Cost of Furnishing Your Home: A Comprehensive Guide. Furnishd. https://furnishd.com.au/blogs/guide/how-much-does-it-cost-to-furnish-your-home-really?srsltid=AfmBOooqyaNnCMDNysVDDnVkBLdXLXQXQ9xuF2IVdAouiG9EHSP2ivBL
- Grain & Frame. (2023, February 13). Ultimate New Home Furnishing Checklist. Grain & Frame. https://www.grainandframe.com/buying-guides/ultimate-new-home-furnishing-checklist/
- Kinso. (2025). How to Furnish Your New Home - 5 Easy Steps. Kinso. https://kinso.com.au/blogs/resources/how-to-furnish-new-home-5-tips
- Mango Furnish. (2025). How to Furnish a Newly Built House: Furniture for New House Checklist. Mango Furnish. https://mangofurnish.com/blogs/news/how-to-furnish-a-newly-built-house-furniture-for-new-house-checklist
- Modeina. (2025, March). How to furnish your new home on a budget. Modeina. https://modeina.com.au/how-to-furnish-your-new-home-on-a-budget/
- realestate.com.au. (2025, February 28). The Low-Cost High-Quality Hereos Of Your 2025 Home Glow Up. realestate.com.au. https://www.realestate.com.au/news/the-2025-guide-to-the-low-cost-but-definitely-not-low-quality-trends/
- Tanstella. (2025). Tanstella Reviews | Read Customer Service Reviews of tanstella.com.au. Trustpilot. https://au.trustpilot.com/review/tanstella.com.au
- Architectural Digest. (2023). How to Furnish Your Home Room-by-Room. Architectural Digest. https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/how-to-furnish-your-home-inexpensively
